June 20, 2003

The Forging of the Rings of Power
G

It is my understanding that it was the elves who made most of the rings of power. Here's why:

In the second age Celebrimbor, grandson of Feanor (maker of the Silmarils and possibly the Palantiri) was leader of the Noldor that abode in Eregion (Gil-Galad was still High King of the Noldor, just in case that debate gets started again) and he and his people were considered great jewel smiths. A mysterious but beautiful stranger named Annatar offered them greater knowledge in these arts and, against the advice of Gil-Galad and Elrond they made, with his help, sixteen Rings of Power. Annatar then disappeared off to Mount Doom to make the One Ring, with which he could rule over the sixteen, but was foiled because the elves had made the Three, and when he put it on they became aware of the One and of his trechary.

Sauron then used his forces to attack Eregion, kill Celebrimbor, and take the Sixteen (but not the Three which were now safely with Cirdan, Gil-Galad and Galadriel). Of the Sixteen, Nine were given to Men (hence the Nazgul) and Seven to the dwarves, but they were too strong to yeild to the Rings and the Seven were eventually destroyed by dragons or recovered bu Sauron.

I'm pretty sure that's al correct but if you disagree let me know.

G.